I AM the Resurrection and the Life

Empty Tombs

Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Shortly before his death and resurrection, Jesus performed his last miracle. When told that his dear friend Lazarus was ill, Jesus delayed two days before going to him (John 11:5-6). As he and his disciples headed to Judea, Jesus told them Lazarus was dead, then added, “And for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe” (John 11:14-15). His words and delay may seem heartless, but he knew what was going to happen.

Many people had come to console Lazarus’s sisters, Mary and Martha. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died,” Martha said after she greeted him. “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Did she suspect what was going to happen?

When Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again,” she answered, “I know he will rise in the resurrection at the last day.”

“I am the resurrection and the life,” Jesus said.  “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied (John 11:17-26).

Mary and her friends came to him weeping. Jesus wept too. He loved Lazarus and his sisters. Even though he was about to raise the man from the dead, Jesus felt intense grief and anger—not only for these people but also for the suffering that death had caused the world.

At the tomb, Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” The mourners were reluctant to do so because Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. “By this time there is a bad odor,” Martha said.

Then the One who is The Life cried, “Lazarus, come out.” And the man who had died came out.

Soon, Jesus would die. The One who is The Resurrection would come out from his tomb on the third day. Moreover, whoever believes in Jesus Christ will never die. Our bodies may die, but our lives are secure in the One who is The Resurrection and The Life.

Do you believe this?

DIG DEEPER:

Read John 11:1-44. How did Jesus know the Father had answered his prayer? When do you think Jesus prayed?

Who resurrected Jesus according to John 2:19-22, Acts 2:22-32, and Romans 8:11?

Who is going to be resurrected? What are the two types of resurrection according to John 5:24-29?

Meditate on the cross this Easter using Paul’s description of what it means to be alive in Christ—Colossians 2:6-15. What parts of his description are especially meaningful to you?

Nancy J. Baker

This devotion is part of a series on the I AM Names of Jesus